{"id":16538,"date":"2019-07-30T07:32:34","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T07:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.qcdesignschool.com\/?p=16538"},"modified":"2019-07-30T07:32:34","modified_gmt":"2019-07-30T07:32:34","slug":"minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips","title":{"rendered":"The Minimalist&#8217;s Guide to Downsizing Your Life!"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]Once you\u2019ve decided you wanted to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2019\/02\/minimalism-for-beginners-professional-organizer-training-feng-shui-certification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">become a minimalist<\/a>, the next step is to downsize what you have. The aim is to simplify your life through only keeping the items that you cherish or that help you live the lifestyle that makes you happiest.\n\nTo find out how you can get started, keep reading!\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips\/#1_Set_goals_before_you_start\" >1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Set goals before you start<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips\/#2_Declutter\" >2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Declutter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips\/#3_Eliminate_the_%E2%80%9Cmaybe%E2%80%9D_pile\" >3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eliminate the \u201cmaybe\u201d pile<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips\/#Foolproof_tips_from_certified_organizers\" >Foolproof tips from certified organizers:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips\/#Hire_a_professional_organizer\" >Hire a professional organizer!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/minimalist-guide-downsizing-life-certified-organizer-tips\/#The_secret_to_downsizing%E2%80%A6\" >The secret to downsizing\u2026<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Set_goals_before_you_start\"><\/span>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Set goals before you start<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\nSet realistic goals to keep you moving forward. Meditate on your ultimate goal for downsizing. What do you hope to get out of it? More time to travel and spend with friends? Less stress? Eliminating debt? Are you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2019\/06\/what-is-aging-in-place-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">retiring and moving to a smaller space<\/a>? Write down your primary reason for this lifestyle change and post it somewhere that you can see every day. This will remind you of your purpose and keep you inspired.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;16548&#8243; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]Don\u2019t forget to set a rough timeline of when you wish to be done. Don\u2019t just set aside just one weekend to get it done. It\u2019s just not realistic, especially if you have a large home. Our advice? Create a manageable schedule around your priorities and commitments so you aren\u2019t unintentionally adding more stress to your plate!\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Declutter\"><\/span>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Declutter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\nDownsizing starts by taking inventory and prioritizing your belongings. Chances are, you have more useless gizmos than you know what to do with! There are dozens of methods you can try to help you with your minimalist journey. Here are a few popular ones:\n<h3>Packing Party<\/h3>\nThis idea comes from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?time_continue=136&amp;v=GgBpyNsS-jU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Minimalists<\/a>! You would box up every single one of your belongings as if you were preparing to move. Then, over the course of the next few weeks, you\u2019ll find yourself going back into those boxes to grab things you needed to use. You\u2019ll quickly start to notice what items are staples in your lifestyle and what items you really don\u2019t need.\n\nThis is quite an extreme approach, and it won\u2019t work for everyone \u2013 especially those who need to make seasonal lifestyle changes.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;16552&#8243; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3>KonMari Method<\/h3>\nCreated by professional organizing extraordinaire, Marie Kondo, you go through your belongings and only keep items that \u201cspark joy\u201d.\u00a0 You need to individually evaluate all your items, and take them out of context for consideration. This new perspective makes it easier to see if the item truly means something to you instead of letting it blend and disappear into the rest of your stuff.\n\nHer method has a few more rules to keep in mind. Learn more about the nuances of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2016\/10\/5-things-professional-organizers-can-learn-marie-kondo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">KonMari professional organizing method here<\/a>!\n<h3>Room by room<\/h3>\nThis method differs just slightly from Marie Kondo\u2019s. Break the house down into sections and tackle the rooms one at a time. Resist the urge to start by sorting through all the rooms at once\u2014you\u2019ll quickly be overwhelmed by the quantity of stuff. Breaking down any great task into smaller components with their own timelines and goals will make organizing a lifetime\u2019s worth of stuff a piece of cake!\n\n<em>Remember: You don\u2019t need to get rid of all your belongings! This is <strong>your<\/strong> minimalism journey. Downsize until it\u2019s a comfortable fit for you\u2014not everyone can get by with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Xas9RPnCF0w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">just 50 things<\/a>!<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;16547&#8243; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3>What can I do with my decluttered items?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n \t<li>Give to friends, family, co-workers: If you have items that you think someone in your life would value, give your peers first choice.<\/li>\n \t<li>Recycle: Recycle what you can using municipal recycling programs. For any specialty items such as appliances, get in touch with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.staples.com\/sbd\/cre\/marketing\/sustainability-center\/recycling-services\/electronics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tech-recycling organizations<\/a> in your city.<\/li>\n \t<li>Reuse: That old jar of jam in the fridge? Clean it out and <a href=\"https:\/\/somethingturquoise.com\/2011\/11\/04\/diy-poured-mason-jar-candle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">create DIY candles<\/a> for cozy winter nights!<\/li>\n \t<li>Donate: Bring old clothes and textiles to thrift stores, textile recyclers, and shelters. Some programs, like <a href=\"https:\/\/dressforsuccess.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dress for Success<\/a>, accept professional attire and provide clothing for those in need to wear to job interviews!<\/li>\n \t<li>Sell: Why not make some of that money back\u2014especially if it\u2019s still in great condition? Try online marketplaces such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/marketplace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook Marketplace<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">eBay<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kijiji.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kijiji<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gumtree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gumtree<\/a>. Before you go spending all your fresh cash, pay off your debts! After that, if you noticed missing items you\u2019d like to have after decluttering, go for it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][vc_column_text]\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Eliminate_the_%E2%80%9Cmaybe%E2%80%9D_pile\"><\/span>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eliminate the \u201cmaybe\u201d pile<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\nSimilar to taking a multiple-choice test, once you make a decluttering decision, stick with it! The longer you contemplate to keep or toss an item, the more likely an object that belongs in the trash bin gets placed into a storage box instead.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We\u2019re all guilty of having a just-in-case <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2016\/11\/decluttering-clients-home-storage-spaces\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">box of items in the back of our closets<\/a>. Hey, six months down the road, you might really need that fax machine. But does it make sense to deem it a necessary item and pack it away?\n\nSometimes, you should just examine something once (only once). Then, put the unwanted item into a box to get rid of it ASAP. Out of sight, out of mind.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;16551&#8243; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;]<div class=\"nectar-fancy-ul\" data-list-icon=\"fa fa-check\" data-animation=\"false\" data-animation-delay=\"0\" data-color=\"accent-color\" data-spacing=\"default\" data-alignment=\"left\"> \n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Foolproof_tips_from_certified_organizers\"><\/span>Foolproof tips from certified organizers:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n \t<li>If you\u2019re moving homes, consider the dimensions of your new home in relation to your stuff. Be realistic and ditch items you can\u2019t make work in your new space.<\/li>\n \t<li>Using dividers helps you make the most of your space\u2014even your junk drawer!<\/li>\n \t<li>Downsizing doesn\u2019t just apply for physical belongings. Unsubscribing from those marketing emails and deleting unused phone apps are ways to downsize your digital clutter!<\/li>\n \t<li>If you live with a roommate, significant other, or family, get them involved, too. You can hold one another accountable and see a drastic change in reducing duplicate items in the home.<\/li>\n \t<li>Are you having a hard time getting rid of something? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2016\/07\/professional-organizing-room-room\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Look for expiration dates<\/a>, stains, holes, etc. If you can\u2019t mend something, it\u2019s a sign that the product is no longer worth keeping.<\/li>\n \t<li>Don\u2019t feel guilty about items you\u2019ve purchased and never worn. Guilt is not a good reason for keeping useless belongings! Give it to friends or donate it\u2014someone else who needs it will make the most of it.<\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2015\/11\/these-common-organizing-tips-wont-help-you-get-organized\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Don\u2019t buy new storage bins<\/a> until after you\u2019ve decluttered. If you buy new containers before you organize your items, you\u2019ll just end up adding to the clutter.<\/li>\n \t<li>Once you\u2019ve organized and cleaned your home, keep it that way! Don\u2019t just replace all the old items you\u2019ve gotten rid of with brand new ones. Be more mindful of your purchases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;16550&#8243; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hire_a_professional_organizer\"><\/span>Hire a professional organizer!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\nSometimes, no matter how many guides you read, downsizing may still seem like an impossible task. In these cases, we suggest hiring a pro to help you! It\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2018\/07\/more-than-putting-things-away-what-a-certified-professional-organizer-does\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">professional organizer\u2019s job<\/a> to help you work through any reservations you have about downsizing. If that\u2019s what\u2019s stopping you, you just need an objective voice of reasoning to encourage you to make decisions. In many cases, you probably know what to do\u2014you just want someone to reinforce your thinking!\n\nOnce you\u2019ve pulled everything out of its hiding spot, it\u2019s time to deal with them. Everything that you\u2019ve decided to keep now needs a home. A professional organizer can help you create <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/2016\/01\/6-hidden-storage-ideas-for-the-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">storage solutions<\/a> that work for your home and your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all solution! You don\u2019t have to implement everything your organizer suggests\u2014you\u2019re the one living with the changes, after all. But it helps to have new and creative ideas that maximize the newfound space in your home.\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_secret_to_downsizing%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>The secret to downsizing\u2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\nStart today! Don\u2019t schedule a time in the future to tackle it. You\u2019ll often see people making resolutions in October about starting their new fitness regime in January. The truth is, when you do that, you\u2019re increasing your chances of failing.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;16549&#8243; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;2%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]Once you set your mind to decluttering and getting your life organized, start it ASAP! If you wait, you may lose that motivating force that compels you to get going. And you may put it off indefinitely as there never seems to be a \u201cright time\u201d. The right time is now!\n\nDo you have any tips you\u2019d like to share? Leave us a comment![\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][nectar_cta btn_style=&#8221;see-through&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;h5&#8243; text_color=&#8221;#3452ff&#8221; link_type=&#8221;new_tab&#8221; alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; text=&#8221;Interested in studying organizing yourself?&#8221; link_text=&#8221;Check out QC\u2019s Professional Organizing Course and help others declutter their space!&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.qcdesignschool.com\/online-courses\/professional-organizing\/&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Learn how to downsize what you have! We&#8217;ve included tips used by real certified organizers to help you live a fulfilling life with less! ","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":19558,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[514],"class_list":{"0":"post-16538","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-design-tips"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v26.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Minimalist&#039;s Guide to Downsizing Your Life! - The Focal Point<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to downsize what you have! 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